ESPN.com's James Walker is reporting that Carson Palmer has told a confidant that he "will never set foot in Paul Brown Stadium again," WCPO-TV in Cincinnati reported Tuesday.

It is the strongest evidence yet that nothing the Bengals ownership does will in fact sway Palmer's decision. Owner Mike Brown stated in January that he had no intention to trade Palmer, and ever since there has been relative silence from both parties, until now.

ESPN stated that according to Tuesday's report, Palmer said, "I have $80 million in the bank. I don't have to play football for money. I'll play it for the love of the game but that would have to be elsewhere. I'm prepared to live my life."

Palmer is evidently not one to splurge his fortune. So if you didn't think his retirement threats were serious, think again.

If Cincinnati was wondering about what to tackle in the upcoming draft, the quarterback position is looking more and more likely as the No. 4 overall pick, with the consensus being either Blaine Gabbert, or the more "Bengals-style" pick Cam Newton.

Where the Bengals go from here is any man's guess. The coaches have had a lot of time to get acquainted with potential draft picks through the Senior Bowl and the combine, and will be sure to continue that leading into pro-days.